Ukraine’s leader pushes back against Trump’s 28-point peace plan requiring major concessions, while Putin signals approval and threatens further advances.
KYIV: President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed back against a US proposal to end Russia’s invasion, while Vladimir Putin welcomed the plan containing many Russian demands.
Zelensky pledged to work continuously to ensure any final agreement would not “betray Ukraine’s interests” amid concerns about losing Washington’s support.
Putin stated the blueprint could “lay the foundation” for peace but threatened additional territorial gains if Ukraine rejects negotiations.
The Ukrainian leader described this as “one of the most difficult moments in our history” and promised to present “alternatives” to Trump’s 28-point plan.
Kyiv and European allies were startled by proposals requiring Ukraine to surrender territory, reduce its military, abandon NATO membership, and hold snap elections.
Russia would gain land, rejoin the global economy, and return to the G8 under the draft plan obtained by AFP.
“Ukraine and its European allies are still living under illusions and dreaming of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia,” Putin told his security council.
He warned that recent claims about capturing Kupiansk “will inevitably be repeated” if Kyiv walks away, though Ukraine’s military denied losing the city.
Zelensky recalled marshalling Ukraine’s response to the 2022 invasion, stating “We did not betray Ukraine then, we will not do so now.”
Trump set next Thursday as an “appropriate time” for Zelensky to agree but indicated flexibility.
The Ukrainian president continues to “respect” Trump’s desire to end the war after discussions with Vice President JD Vance.
Zelensky held emergency talks with German, French, and British leaders as Europe scrambled to respond to being excluded from the process.
The US plan would recognize Moscow-controlled territories as Russian and require Ukrainian troop withdrawals from Donetsk regions.
Kyiv would cap its army at 600,000 soldiers, rule out NATO membership, and prohibit NATO troop deployments.
Ukraine would receive unspecified security guarantees and reconstruction funds using frozen Russian assets.
European allies emphasized “unwavering and full support for Ukraine” during calls with Zelensky.
Putin revealed discussing an early version with Trump before their August 15 Alaska meeting.
Russia remains ready for detailed discussions but will continue the war without agreement.
The White House denied collaborating with Moscow on the proposal.
Kyiv residents expressed division over whether to negotiate improvements or reject what many consider capitulation.
Many Ukrainian politicians reacted with anger, with one deputy describing being “completely mind blown” by the plan. – AFP
